Moving web recording machine



April 2, 1946. Aye, cooLEY 2,397,535

' MOVING WEB RECORDING MACHINE F11'ed Deo. 1s, 1941 4snee1s-shee1 1 EL .l

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*0/ INVENTOR E. AUSTIN G. COOLEY April 2, 1946. A. G. cooLEY 2,397,535

Y MOVING WEB RECORDING MACHINE I Filed Deo. 13, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 lNvENToR AUSTIN G. COOL EY April 2, 1946. A. G. COOLEY 2,397,535

MOVING WEB RECORDING MACHINE l Filed DeC. l5, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR AUSTIN G. COOL EY BY e ATTORNEY April 2, 1946.

A. G. cOoLEY 2,397,535

MOVING WEB RECORDING MACHINE Filed Dec. 1s, 1941 4 sheets-sheet 4 INVENToR AUSTIN G. COOLEY Patented Apr. 2, 1946 MOVING -WEB RECORDING MACHNE Austin G. Cooley, New York, N. Y., assigner to Times Telephoto Equipment Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application December 13, 1941, Serial No. 422,793

14 Claims.

This invention relates to recording machines and more especially to machines of the type employing a travelling web or tape.

A principal object of the invention is to provide an improved recording head and tape feed arrangement for telegraph machines of the tape recording type.

One type of tape recorder machine that has been found satisfactory for telefacsimilc purposes c employs a so-called helix drum or platen, and an oscillatable recorder bar, with a transfer member such as a carbon ribbon or inked ribbon located between the helix and the tape. The bar is arranged with its recording edge extending transversely to the helix edge so that at any given instant of operation a single point-like area of intersection exists between the bar and helix and the pressure which is exerted thereby upon the intervening tapes causes a transfer of the carbon or ink in a minute dot on to the record receiving tape. In another type of recorder the carbon ribbon is eliminated and the helix itself is inked by an inking roller or the like. This latter type of recorder possesses the disadvantage that the ink which is entrained between the helix edge and the recording tape tends to spread beyond the desired area. This may result in the ink spreading over areas which are intended to be white or unmarked.

Accordingly, it is another principal object of the invention to provide an improved telegraph recorder of the type having an inked roller and a cooperating oscillatable recorder bar.

While the ink spreading phenomenon in the helix-bar type of recorder can be reduced by causing the tape to travel in a. non-linear path adjacent the actual recording area, the fact that the recording tape must be kept taut, results in an undesirable load on the electromagnetically controlled recording unit which is connected to the recording bar. Furthermore, since the tape tension varies from time to time, it is not practical to endeavor to compensate for this additional load on the recorder, by means of springs or other similar compensating devices.

Accordingly, it is another principal object of the invention to provide an improved tape recorder of the inked helix and recorder bar type wherein the tape tension is not reflected as an undesirable lcad on the electromagnetic signalcontrolled operating mechanism.

A feature of the invention relates to an improved tape guide and operating device whereby the tape can be led to and away from the recording point at an angle without placing any undesirable load on the electromagnetic or similar signal-controlled operating mechanism.

Another feature relates to an improved operating and tape-guiding device for facsimile tape recorders generally.

A further feature relates to a tape recording head for telegraph tape recorders, whereby the speed of recording can be increased without danger of smudging or spreading of the recording ink on to areas which are to be free from recording marks.

A still further feature relates to the novel organization, arrangement and relative location and proportioning of parts which cooperate to form a relatively simple and eflicient tape recorder.

Referring to the drawings which show certain preferred forms of the invention:

Fig. l is a generalized schematic diagram of the pertinent parts of a helix-bar tape recorder to which the invention is primarily applicable.

Fig. 2 is a typical arrangement according to the invention.

Fig. v2A is a sectional view of part of Fig. 2 taken along the line 2A-2A thereof.

Fig. 2B is a top-plan view of the tape-guiding device of Fig. 2.

Fig. 3 is a modification of Fig. 2.

Fig. 3A represents a modication of Fig. 3.

Fig. 4 is a composite schematic-vector diagram explanatory of Fig. 3.

Fig. 4A is an equivalent vector diagram corresponding to Fig. 4.

Fig. 5 is a modioation of the tape feed of Fig. 3 represented schematically.

Fig. 5A is a smplied vector diagram corresponding to Fig. 5.

Fig. 5 is a further modification of Figs. 2 and 3.

Fig. 6A is a vector diagram corresponding to Fig. 6.

Referring to Fig. l, there is schematically shown the more important parts of a recording head of one known form of helix-bar facsimile tape recorder including amongst other elements, a cylindrical drum or platen l having a helical rib 2 on the exterior thereof. Extending parallel to the rotational axis of drum l, is a recording bar 3, which is carried by anarm 4 adapted to be moved vertically under control of asignalcontrolled electromagnet or the like (not shown). A recording tape 5 is arranged to pass between the member 3 and rib 2, there being sufcient tension on the tape to hold it against the bar 3. If the recorder is of the type wherein the rib l2 is inked, then a suitable inking roller (not shown) is provided for transferring ink to the said rib. For a more detailed description of a recorder head of this general type, reference may be had to my application Serial No. 418,172, iiled November 7, 1941, now Patent No. 2,363,398, issued November 21, 1944.

With such a recorder, the marking area on the tape E at any given instant, is determined by the intersectional area between the bar 3 and rib 2. Normally, or when no marking signal is being received, the arm 3 is in its lower position whereby a clearance is provided between the .tape

5 and the helix rib. In order to produce accurate recorded copy, it is necessary that'y the tapebemaintained at a minimum tension at the-record-l ing point so that it does not flutter or accidentally move with respect toy the members 2" and 3. It is desirable that the tape should be fed to and away from the recording pointl with a minimum of back-pressure on the bar 3, which pressure would represen-t an undesirable .load onA the electromagnetic'operating mechanism connected to member Ll. One wayrorreducingthis load is to feed the tape to and away from-therecording point in a straight line `or single plane substantially perpendicular tothe arm li. However, this method of tape feed hasa number ofy disadvantages, one of which is that the opening angles between the tape and the rib Zadjacent the recording point are sufliciently smallto causeentrained inlrfto spread itselfvover a larger area than that intended for marking.

or in the spreading of the ink toareas which are intended to be white or unmarked. Furthermore, in order to prevent accidental fluttering of the tape, it must be kept under a certain minimum tension'at' the recording point and it is very difficult to effect this tension without exerting some back `pressureon the armll. The above disadvantages Vcan-lee overcome to a cer-y tain extent by leading the tape to and away from the recording Vpoint atan angle as-represented by the full line position of the tape 5 in Fig; 1. However, because of the tension on the tape there is a considerable downward component whichacts as an undesirable load on the-operating mechanisms for the members Sfandfi. Since the degree of tape tension mayfvaryconsider-V ably from time to time, ordinary` compensating` devices such as springsvor thelike areinot prac-V tical with this arrangement.

I have found that the desirable results ofthe angularly fed tape can be utilizedwhile also avoiding reaction of the tape tension onthe recorder control mechanism, even" though the' tension varies considerably. This is accomplished by guiding the tape through a device which forms an integral part-of the recorder arm mechanism. A typical arrangement foraccomplishing this-object is illustrated in Fig.Y 2, wherein the parts corresponding to those of Fig. 1 are similarly designated. In Fig. 2 the full line showing of the members 3,: 4, 6; 9, Ii)l This may result in theformation ofafcontinuous line Thek ings energized by received signals, act on the armature t to raise it vertically causing the tape 5 to be pressed against the inked rib 2. It will be understood that a suitable adjustable stop (not shown) is provided below armature 6 to adjust its normal downward or non-marking position whereby the tape ii is spaced from rib 2. integrally carried by the upper end of arm 4 is a rigid plate li whichA is preferably cast integrally with the arm li by means of a web l2. Fastened in the plate li in alignment with the bart are two rounded bars $5 and i8. Preferably, although not necessarily, the members 3, 4, 9, It and H may be cast as a single unit. The tape 5 :which is fed-in the direction of the arrows and) is maintained taut by any well-known means, passes under the bar It, is then inclined upwardly to `pass over bar 3, from whence it is led downwardly under bar 9. It will be seen therefore, that any downward component of the tapetension tending ,to react on arm 4- is come pensated for by equalandfopposite components ture'. Thus asshown inthe drawings the-bars v 9 and Iare preferably, although not necessarily, of f the f same diameterand are equally spaced Non opposite sides ofthe-bar .1l-.with their lower edges in substantially the same plane;Y Preferably, ,the

armature@ is provided Vwith `Vertical guidesinot shown) to prevent vit from tilting so that it is constrained to move in a substantially'A verticalVT direction when the magnets 3 'and Q-areenergized;

Fig'. 3 shows amodiiioation o16-Fig. Zfemploying a pivoted armature and' in -which the forces: applied to the tape vare substantiallybalanced out and causeno load on the electromagnetic driving system'.

ported for-rotation-on and around aiixedviulcrumfpin it: Rocker' i5 hasa downwardlyem tending portieri El Vto which--isrigidly-fastened:

the magnetic armature I3; Armature ylfrissur rounded by a D. C. polarizing electromagnet: laf whereby the armature is steadily polarized.` Ad-,

jacentthe. lower end or" the. armature: and.; on opposite sides thereof" are; the` pole 'pieces'.2;

2|, with their individual magnetizingywindings.

22, 23,' whichareY adapted i to':be energized irespectively under control offspacingr` and' 'marke ing'` signals;` for example -as described fin detail!A inapplication Serial No; 397,513,- viiledfJunerlljv 1941, issued as Patent No.'2,828,^955 Thuswhenf.- vwinding-1A 23 risy energized by afmarkingsignal, it rotates the, armature itin a clcckwise-ffdireoe tion aroundv fulcrum iiithus causingcarmrto' engage the tape Swith `the inlredhelix 2. When` a spacing signal occurs, winding 22 .takeszcontrorl whereby the tape 5 isxdisengagedl 1fromfheliiez;`

members f3, 9 and iiil'of Fig; 2in sorfarias-tliey By. appropriate design offy the;A

The recorder arm-3 -fis mounted, atone end'of aA rocker 'arm i5 which. is sup;-y

The rocker lcarriesn control the direction of feeding movement of the tape and in so far as they cooperate with the tape to compensate for the load which the tape tension would normally tend to exert on the armature Isa. By proper prcportioning of the various dimensions of rocker I with respect to pivot I6 and guide 25 and inclination of member 23, it is possible to prevent the tape tension from being reflected as a non-useful load or bias on the armature I8. In other words, the tape tension acting on the right-hand end of lever I5 tends to rotate the lever around pivot I8 in a clockwise direction, thus tending to bias the armature |8 so as to maintain bias pressure between |3a and 25. On the other hand, the ltension of the tape acting on the bar 3 tends to rotate the lever |5 in a counter-clockwise direction thus tending to maintain the member |80. in bias pressure against member 24, These two forces can be balanced against each other.

Assuming that the tape is entering along the full line position of Fig. 3, then the relation of the various parts is schematically illustrated in Fig. 4 where the corresponding parts are similarly designated. Since the guide 26 is a rigid unit with lever I5, it exerts no rotational moment on the lever I5. However, it does serve to control the angle at which the tape approaches the bar 3. Before analyzing the forces, it should be observed that the tension on the tape as the tape leaves arm 3 is greater than the tension on the tape as it enters guide 25. The total tension on the emerging tape is schematically illustrated in Fig. 4, by the vector J, while the hold-back tension is represented by vector K. J is greater than K because of the added load resulting from the friction of the tape as it moves over members 28, 26 and 3. The hold-back tension K can be resolved into two components K and K. It will be observed therefore, that the component K being directly in line with the fulcrum I6, produces no rotational moment therearound. However, by properly proportioning the component K', the resultant moment about fulcrum I 6 due to the tension of the tape will be neutralized. This will be clear from the equivalent moment diagram of Fig. 4A, wherein the moment JX equals the moment K'Y where X and Y are respectively the distances from the fulcrum |6 to the point where the various forces are applied. Therefore, considering the effect on the armature I8, the tension of the tape exerts little if any undesired bias on the position of the armature I8 and exerts very little if any load on the pivotal contact between the lever l5 and its pivot point i6.

It is not necessary that the tape be fed into the guide below the horizontal, for example the tape may be fed into the guide along the path shown in Fig. 3A. The equivalent diagrams for this condition are illustrated in Figs. 5 and 5A. The total hold-back tension K can be resolved into its two components K' and K, while the tension on the tape leaving the point 3 is represented by J. An examination of the equivalent moment diagram of Fig. 5A will show that when the moment J.Y=(KZK'X) the rotational forces resulting from the tape tension tending to rotate the armature around the pivot 8 are balanced so that the position of the armature is entirely under control of the magnets 22 and 23.

Referring to Fig. 6, there is shown a modiiication wherein a system of electromagnets 30, 3|, 32, similar tornagnets l5, 22 and 23 (Fig. 3) are provided, the magnet 30 being the steady polarizing magnet and the magnets 3| and 32 being the signal-controlled magnets. 'A magnetic armature 33 is pivoted and supported adjacent its lower end on a pivot pin 34 and has an extension 35 cooperating with the adjustable stops 36, 31. Armature 33 carries at its upper end a rigid bifurcated extension 38. Pivotally supported on a xed fulcrum pin 38 is a V -shaped rocker arm 43. Attached to the hub 4| of the rocker arm is a substantially flexible flat metal member 42 whose lower end extends between the rounded right angled members 44, 45 of extension 38. The members 44 and 45 are spaced apart to provide sutncient clearance to receive member 42 without binding.

Rocker 40 has an integral shoulder 45 adapted to engage the end of an adjusting screw 41 threaded through a boss 48 carried by member 42. The relative position of the recorder bar 3 with respect to points 44, 4S, is controlled by adjustment of screw 4l. A rounded tape guide bar 43 is carried by a lug 50 integrally attached to rocker 40. If desired, the members 4Q, 4|, 42, 49 and 50, may be cast in a single piece. Assuming that the tape 5 is fed to the device as indicated by the arrows, then Fig. 6A represents the equivalent vector diagram in which J represents the tension on the tape as it leaves the arm 3 and K is the holdback tension onthe tape. The force J is directly in line with the arm X, and therefore exerts no rotating moment about the fulerum 39. The force K has a slight rotational moment K.Y which tends to compensate for the mechanical imbalance of the arm 40 about the pivot 39.

While in the embodiment of Fig. 6 the rocker arm itself is mechanically unbalanced and is compensated for by the tape tension acting through the lever arm Y (Fig. 6A), it will be understood that the mechanical unbalance can be compensated orby an additional arm similar t0 the arm 28 of Fig. 3. However, in the diagrammatic view of Fig. 6A Where the mechanical unbalance is compensated for directly by the tape tension, the mechanical inertia of the moving system controlled by the magnets 3| and 32 is considerably reduced.

While in the foregoing embodiments it has been mentioned that the reactive eiect of the tape tension on the armature mechanism is entirely compensated for, it will be understood that the yparts may be proportioned so as to achieve either full compensation, partial compensation or over compensation as may be desired. rIhus the parts may be proportioned so that the tension of the tape which tends to bias the printing mechanism in one direction by reason of the engagement of the tape with the printing bar, can be neutralized either partially or completely by an opposite bias resulting from the tensioned tape engagement with the tape guide. Furthermore, While the invention iinds its primary utility in a tape recorder of the inked-helix type, it will be understood that the invention is useful in any recorder where a record receiving tape is held under tension and is adapted to be moved in a direction transverse to the tension forces. Thus, instead of employing an inked helix, the helix may be dry and a carbon tape or ribbon can be interposed between the record receiving tape 5 and the helix.

What I claim is:

l. A guiding and operating mechanism for a tensioned record receiving web; comprising a signal-controlled electromagnet armature, a web guide and operating device mounted for operation by said armature for movement in unison therewith, said device including a rigid unit havingtthree spacedA members" for engagingI theV webv atthree regionsv two'or" said membersfenga'ging one: faceofthe web and thethird of saldi memV bers engaging the oppositeface of'said-webto cause it'toiollow a crooked path adjacent the recording area and the component" ofthe'. tape 2. Aguiding and operating mechanismfor ai.

tensioned record receiving web; comprising-asignal-controlled electromagnet armature', alever mounted for operation by said armature, a main recording bar carriedby said lever, a webv guide also carried by said lever, said webhavingits opposite faces engaging respectivelyV said guide and'bar` se that it-is Aflexed in opposite direcf tions, the web being tensioned and fed at'an" angle to Vsaid guide so that it presses against said guide to. exert one rotational moment on said 'lever and presses against said bar to exert a substantially opposite and 'equal rotational 5moment on said lever.

3.' A' guidingand operatingl mechanism for a tensioned recordreceiving web; comprising asignal-controlied electromagnet armature, a lever operatively engaging said armature'for movement thereby, a recorder bar carried 'at one end of said lever, a web guide also carriedby said lever between said bar andthe lever fulcrum, said guide having a guiding surface in spaced relation to the lever, said web engaging said `bar and said-guide at different angles whereby the rotae tional moments `on said lever resulting from-the tapev tension are substantially balanced.

4. Aguiding and operating mechanism for a tensioned record receiving web; comprising asignal--controlledv electromagnet armature, a lever operatively connected to said armature, a web guide carried by said lever having a guiding surface in spaced relation to the lever surface, said web extending along said lever and engaging'it adjacent one end to exert one direction of rotational moment thereon, said web also engaging said guide to exert a rotational moment on said lever which is opposed to the first mentioned moment.

5.l In a telegraph tape recorder of the type having a printing platen and a movable printing bar between which a tensioned record receiving tape is fed; a magnetic armature, an electromagnet system for moving said armature in response to telegraph signals, a'pair of tape guides disposed in parallel spaced relation to said bar and movable as a unit therewith, said tape having its-leading portion iiexed under one of 'said guides and its trailing portion flexed over the other of said guides, the portion of the tape adjacent the recording point beingv flexed over said printing' 6. A telegraph tape'recorder according to'claim away from the surface of the platen so astof connue the contact of the tape with said ridge to substantially the point of intersection between said bar and ridge.

7; In av telegraph tape recorder of the type having a platen and a movable printing bar between which a tensioned. record receiving tape is-.fed; a magnetic armaturaan electromagnet systemv for moving said armaturein response to telegraphslgnals;alever connected to said armaturef to.` be'zoscillated thereby,.the printingibarf is fed: a rocker arm carrying said printingy barV atl one end, a'signal-controlled electromagnet. armatureforoscillating said rockerarm, saidr arm being-'shaped'sothat the tape when tensioned engages the arm only at the end regions whilebeing spacedfrom the intervening length ofthearm, and aV tape guide carried bythev rocker: armintermediater its ends for flexing the tape toward the-arm.

9. Aftelegraph recorder according to claim 8` in' which said signal-controlled electromagnet armature-has a bifurcatedextension, a flexible4 link having one vend fastened to saidrocker arm andthe other end located between the arms of said'bifurcated extension, and an adjustable abutmentfor adjusting therelative position of said printing bar with respect to said flexible link.

101' In' arecorderofthe-type employing a recordereceiving web which' is under tension; a marking member, another member in engagement with said-web and arranged to move said web in a direction transverse to its length and towards said marking member to press theweb against said'marking member while said web is under tension, web guide means, said web being held by said vvtension and against said other member and said guideemeans sok that the tension Ahas a componen'ty tending to oppose said transverse web movement and another component tending to assistsaid movement, anda signal controlled operating mechanism foroscillating said other mem; ber, to selectively engage and disengage said web with respect to said marking member.

ll. In ai recorder of the type employing a record-receiving tape which is under tension and is arrangedv to be fed in the-'direction of its length; a platen and a printing bar between which said tape is positioned, mechanism for oscillating said bar= toward' and away from said platen to thereby oscilla-te said tape'in( a direction transverse to its feeding movement to pressitagainst said platen while under tension, means to guide said tape to the recording pointon said platen so that it fol lows asubstantially V-shaped path with theprint 'ing bar located at the apex of the V, said'guideA means engaging the opposite ace'of said tape from that engaged by the printing bar so that the component of the tape tension which tends to oppose movement-of said printing bar toward the platen is neutralized.

engaging the opposite face of the tape from that engaged bysaid bar and causing the tape to follow a V-shapedpath adjacent the recording .area so `that the'. tapetension is not reflected back' as a--load on' said electromagnetic means.

13: Ina-recording' mechanism of the type del scribed, a control bar for pressing a tensioned web in a direction transverse to its length and towards a curved printing surface while restricting th'e contact area between said web and printing surface, operating mechanism to osciilate said bar toward and away from said surface and thereby to oscillate said web while maintaining said web taut against the bar, and means including a web guide movable as a unit with said bar and engaging said tape on the face opposite to the 10 face engaged by said printing bar for reducing the loading effect of the web tension on said operating mechanism.

14. In a recording mechanism of the type h'aving a tensioned record-receiving web; a printing plat'en, a, printing control mechanism having an osoillatable member connected thereto which engages one face of the web whereby the web tension tends to bias said member in one direction, and another member also connected to said mechanisrn and engaging th'e opposite face of the web whereby the web tension tends to bias said first mentioned member in a direction opposite to said one direction, and means to oscillate said firstmentioned member to selectively move said web into and out of printing engagement with said platen.

AUSTIN G. COOLEY. 

